The Japan Football Association announced Tuesday the men's national team will travel to Germany to face the four-time World Cup champions in an international friendly on Sept. 9.

The clash in Wolfsburg will be a rematch of last year's World Cup Pool E meeting between the two countries, won 2-1 by the Samurai Blue on their way to the last 16 in Qatar.

Takuma Asano (L) of Japan scores a goal in the second half of a World Cup Group E football match against Germany at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 23, 2022. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan, ranked 20th in the world, and Germany, currently 14th, have played each other three times, resulting in one win apiece and a draw.

Several current members of the Japan squad play club football in Germany's Bundesliga.

"Germany truly possess world-class strength," Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said via the JFA.

"This is a precious opportunity for us as we look to strengthen our team."

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